.308 reduced load - Page 2

Rev Dr · May 2, 2007, 04:50 PM

Was doing a search on this topic and found this old thread. I'm wanting to load up some light practice rounds in .308. Lee Modern Reloading has a seperate section with tables for reduced loads for 30-30, 30-06, and .308--these loads are specifically designated cast lead bullet loads. Any reason the same powder charges couldn't be used for jacketed bullets of equal weight? Powders include Blc2 and Varget.

**Mike Irwin** · May 2, 2007, 10:47 PM

Yes.

Jacketed bullets take MUCH greater force to push through the bore due to the harder jacket material.

Using reduced loads it's possible to get a bullet stuck in the bore.

Mr Beta · May 2, 2007, 11:58 PM

Never thought about that.

Rev Dr · May 3, 2007, 10:15 AM

Lee Modern Reloading offers, for example:

110 Grain (cast lead) bullet
BLC2
from
25grains at 1950fps and 16700 PSI
to
46grains at 2910 and 45900 PSI

150 Grain (cast lead) bullet
BLC2
from
25grains at 1820fps and 11200 PSI
to
44grains at 2630fps and 44600 PSI

Jacketed bullet loads, in the main load section at the back:

110 grain Barnes X bullet (there is not BLC2 listing for regular jacketd bullet)
BLC2
from
48 grains 3028fps, no pressure given
to
52 grains at 3268fps and 61285 PSI

150 grain jacketed bullet
BLC2
from
45 at 2681fps, no pressure given
48 grains BLC2 at 2839fps and 59615 PSI

Could a reduced jacketed bullet load be somewhere in the middle of those cast bullet ranges? Or does the higher weight starting load for jacketed bullets indicate that a lower load would be unsafe--liable to stick bullets?

(Or should I just shoot cast bullets for practice?)

Mr Beta · May 3, 2007, 10:17 AM

Don't you have worry about combustion? Something about too little powder blowing up instead of burning?

I dunno, I'm just asking.

May 2, 2007, 10:47 PM	#27
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Yes. Jacketed bullets take MUCH greater force to push through the bore due to the harder jacket material. Using reduced loads it's possible to get a bullet stuck in the bore. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

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May 2, 2007, 04:50 PM	#26
Rev Dr Member Join Date: October 5, 2006 Location: The Tarheel State Posts: 45	Was doing a search on this topic and found this old thread. I'm wanting to load up some light practice rounds in .308. Lee Modern Reloading has a seperate section with tables for reduced loads for 30-30, 30-06, and .308--these loads are specifically designated cast lead bullet loads. Any reason the same powder charges couldn't be used for jacketed bullets of equal weight? Powders include Blc2 and Varget.

May 2, 2007, 11:58 PM	#28
Mr Beta Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 232	Never thought about that.

May 3, 2007, 10:15 AM	#29
Rev Dr Member Join Date: October 5, 2006 Location: The Tarheel State Posts: 45	Lee Modern Reloading offers, for example: 110 Grain (cast lead) bullet BLC2 from 25grains at 1950fps and 16700 PSI to 46grains at 2910 and 45900 PSI 150 Grain (cast lead) bullet BLC2 from 25grains at 1820fps and 11200 PSI to 44grains at 2630fps and 44600 PSI Jacketed bullet loads, in the main load section at the back: 110 grain Barnes X bullet (there is not BLC2 listing for regular jacketd bullet) BLC2 from 48 grains 3028fps, no pressure given to 52 grains at 3268fps and 61285 PSI 150 grain jacketed bullet BLC2 from 45 at 2681fps, no pressure given 48 grains BLC2 at 2839fps and 59615 PSI Could a reduced jacketed bullet load be somewhere in the middle of those cast bullet ranges? Or does the higher weight starting load for jacketed bullets indicate that a lower load would be unsafe--liable to stick bullets? (Or should I just shoot cast bullets for practice?)

May 3, 2007, 10:17 AM	#30
Mr Beta Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 232	Don't you have worry about combustion? Something about too little powder blowing up instead of burning? I dunno, I'm just asking.